Category: Sports

This is a passing league and everyone knows it. The position of WR is actually the most consistent of all the positions. Top pass catchers are typically top pass catcher, because systems are made around their skill set. Even when WRs lose a step they still can contribute to a fantasy team roster, especially in PPR formats. So with this one I rarely saw a guy according to ESPN Rankings that I think would fall out of the top 20. So for this article or list I’m going to give:

A. Players that you can probably get in the later rounds that will contribute to your team

B. A WR you can stash and be patient with that will contribute later in the season (ala Keenan Allen last year, and yes I drafted Alshon Jeffery and dropped him after 2 weeks, I also drafted Josh Gordon a year to early)

1. Justin “Man” Hunter: I know Jake Locker sucks, but I will say that when Locker plays he throws a lot of 50/50 balls for his WRs and Hunter is just the guy to get those. With Ken Whistenhunt taking over in Titan land, they will need a good number one guy, or at least a guy to take the top off the defense. Hunter is your guy. He is going in 13th- wavier wire.

2. DeAndre “Not Benard” Hopkins: Now I don’t think he will surpass Andre “I need a QB” Johnson, but I think with certain match ups (Jags, Chargers) he can be effective. Hopkins only had 4 less deep targets then Johnson last year. That means they want to get this man the ball down field especially. With Bill O’Brien heavy use of Deep crossing routes to help WRs clear, we might see big play potential out of him. Hopkins is going in the 11th rd or Wavier.

3. Markus “With a K not a C” Wheaton: Plan and simple, the Steelers are not 3 yards and a cloud of dust anymore. They throw the dang ball and throw it a lot. So with no Sanders and Crotchery, who is left to catch the ball? I doubt Lance Moore or Darius Hey Bey Bey, will be the target to often. Also Wheaton is a 5’11 speedster which means when Big Ben scrambles and throws Defensive Linemen off of him, Ben will be tossing some bombs to Wheaton getting behind the Defense. Wheaton has been going undrafted in a lot of leagues.

Now a list of guys to stash and maybe about week 8 or 9 unleash, them on the fantasy world.

1. Kelvin “All About the” Benjamin: Somebody in Caroline has to catch those lasers that SuperMan will be throwing. Now I don’t trust rookie WRs but a half of season of work will get this kid understanding what the NFL game is all about. He is a 6’5 WR with terrible route running skills but can go get the ball, just ask Auburn. He is going 13th rd or Wavier wire.

2. Doug “Not Hollywood” Baldwin: While Golden Tate last year was making fun of opponents, Baldwin quietly had a decent season. Now with no Tate, Baldwin is the number 2 WR. Seattle doesn’t pass a lot but they use a lot of play action and with Harvin being the deep threat Baldwin could see a lot of catches underneath. Another guy going 13th or undrafted.

3. Ruben “Hard to” Randle: I mentioned in my QB sleeper about Eli, but Eli just can’t throw it to Cruz all day, and I don’t trust Rookie WR (Sorry Beckham), this new West Coast Offense fits Randle size, speed, and style. I can see a big year for Randle and hopefully he can hit pay dirt more than Sorry ASS HAKEEM NICKS last year (Nicks scored 0 tds last year for my fantasy team)! Another possible wavier wire guy.

4. Aaron “Please stop yelling Tom” Dobson: Now this is pending his foot can heal properly, but that is why you don’t want to use him early on. With Gronk back sucking up all the defensive attention, and Amendola being an injury waiting to happen, Dobson has a real opportunity to be the deep threat that Brady hasn’t had since… Randy Moss! Now I’m not saying Moss like numbers (25tds) but he could be a double digit td machine in that offense. Another 13th-wavier wire.

5. Brandin “I like to” Cooks/ Kenny “Keep” Stills: As much as I like to believe that Jimmy Graham will just catch all the passes from Drew BreeZY, the fact is Sproles is gone and Lance “the Dance” Moore is gone too. So one of these guys are going to get those passes and catches. Now you just have to choose wisely. If one of them gets the production of Sproles in this system they will be a real steal. going 13th-wavier wire.

What do you think? Anybody I missed? If so tell me by leaving a comment or hitting me up @UnsportsmenBigJ

So I consider myself the Marty Schottenheimer of Fantasy football. I can field some good teams but I never can get over the top. Either an injury or a total player no show happens to me and I get eliminated. So I decided to take my great scouting and gut feeling skills to help even more people beat me down and take my money. S once again I will mention people that I think will

1. Ray “Insert woman beating joke” Rice: I know he sucked last year, I know he is missing the first 2 games for going Ike Turner oh his wife, but I believe in the once great fantasy star. I think the whole Ravens offense is due a resurgence and it will start with Gary Kubiak as the new offensive coordinator, and he is bringing the Zone Blocking scheme. Everyone knows that scheme guarantees a 1,000 yard rusher. The suspension in my eyes helps him for 1. he will be fresher, 2. The first 4 games are tough sledding (Bengals, Steelers, Browns, and Panthers), but they have a late season schedule that is good for RBs (Saints, Chargers, Dolphins, Jaguars, and Houston). He is going around 5th-7thrd, now this is where he should be going but I think if you get him it will be a steal.

2. Bishop “I don’t know you” Sankey: Rookie RB in a system where he will be the number 1 probably getting ll the carries. Sounds like a possible Doug Martin, Steve Slaton, fantasy situation. Now he is a bit of a east-west runner, but I’m sure before the end of camp Whistenhunt will make him a north-south guy. Shonne Green coming off of injury and the fact that he is not spectacular opens the door for Sankey. With a name like Bishop, he will definitely have the “Juice”. You could get Sankey in the 6th-10th round.

3. David “My neck and my back” Wilson/Rashard “I just want to start” Jennings: I know this is not fair because I grouped them together, but we know Coughlin is going to run the damn ball. Now which one of these guys are going to get the carries? My bet is go with Jennings, but Wilson is a great stash prospect. You can get Wilson in he 8th-12th round which would be a steal if he starts, and Jennings 5th-8th round.

4. Darren “Run DMC” McFadden: I know everyone probably just stopped reading but I’m a believer this year. Why? He has to have a breakout at least once. Also with the constant veteran preparation and pushing of Pocket Hercules (Maurice Jones Drew), I believe McFadden will show out. Both RB’s have a lot to prove and which better way to motivate each other than being in the best shape of their collective careers. Great thing about DMC is you can get him 10th-15th round. Again what a steal if I’m right and he becomes a top 20 RB.

Now if these guys are moving up who is moving down?

1. Zac “I came out of no where” Stacy: After the sucker of dropping RUN DMC on you, now I kick you in the crotch by thinking that Stacy will finish outside of the top 20. Why you ask? Simple look at that division 2 games against San Fran, Seattle, and Arizona. Now I know he shredded the Seahawks once last year, but that is when he was a surprise. Now they know but last year against those 3 teams he had 13, 7, 8, 3 (the first meeting with the 49ers, and Cards he didn’t play). Stacy just has a rookie phenom, but sophomore step back feel about him to me. He will get help being a top RB though because the NFC WEST is playing the defensively challenged NFC EAST.

2. Frank “The Immortal One” Gore: When will this guy stop producing? I think this is the year he falls out of the top 20. With Hyde, and Lattimore nipping at his legendary heels, and with the sole focus of the 49ers this year is to win it all, they will give Gore a very light workload so he can be fresh for the playoffs. While giving Lattimore and Hyde all the experience they can get. I’m not saying Harbaugh is going to go Greg Popovich on Gore, but I just think Gore will get between 150-200 carries this year. That is nothing compared to his 250+ carries in the last 3 years.

3. Ryan “Supposed to replace LT” Mathews: Put plain and simple I’m not a believer (but I believe in Run DMC? Crazy right) and neither are the Chargers because they went out and signed Donald Brown as insurance in case last year was a fluke.

Secret stash players, now I’m calling these players Handicaps, but real players to wait and see on:

1. Khiry “Saints pick a feature back” Robinson: Thomas, and Ingram suck. This guy is explosive and I can see before the end of the year him getting the bulk of the action. Going around the 10th-13th round

2. Donald “What can” Brown “Do for you”: Just look up Ryan Mathews history and there you have a great year for Donald Brown. Now don’t get me wrong Brown was a disappointment up until last year, but I think he his discovered what kind of runner he is and he will do better. Going around the 11th-13th round

3. Devonta “Finally a” Freeman: Stephen Action Jackson just looked slow last year, and if the Falcons stink again this year I can see an increased role for Freeman down the stretch. 13th-wavier wire

Smell that, yes it smells like mock drafts and arguments about who is going when and where. Typically at this point of the season I’m talking nothing but fantasy football, and giving who I think will be successful or who is overrated. So to start this off I’m looking at QB’s. Now this list is only talking about:

1. Someone outside of the top 10 (according to ESPN rankings) that I think will be top 10ish

2. Someone I think is very stash able on your bench for trade or play value later.

So here is my list of QB’s I think can crack top 10 status this year

1. Tom “Fucking Terrific” Brady: He had a tough year last year, inconsistent run game and WR. No All-Pro TE to start his season and then an injured All-Pro TE by the end of the season. Just think all that yelling at his rookie WR from last year, now these guys have a solid year of working with the Golden Boy. Also Gronk is playing week one, Brady looks o me like a guy you can get a little later (5-7th rd), but will give you top 10 production.

2. Tony “How Bout Dem Cowboys” Romo: I was stuck between either Matty Ice Ryan or Tony “Don’t do it, and he did it” Romo at this spot. Yet I will go with value and say that Romo is a guy that will crack the top 10 QB or be very close. This is for a number of reasons, (1) All the offensive weapons. (2) that defense is still bad, which means a lot of shoot outs. (3) the divisions Defense is bad so at least 4-6 games he will be playing a sub par defense (Redskins, Eagles, and an improving Giants defense), and (4) You will probably be able to get Romo in the way later rounds 9th-11th what a freaking steal. FYI Romo finished 10th last year and missed a game.

3. Phillip “Bo Lo” Rivers: Look at what he did last year, now add to that another weapon at TE (Green), another weapon on the ground in Donald Brown. Also the Chargers were hit with the injury bug and they should be getting Malcolm Floyd back and even if he has lost a step 6’5 is 6’5 no matter how slow. You can probably get Rivers in the 8th-10th range.

So if these guys are taking a top ten spot who do I see taking a step back?

1. Russell “Last Name” Wilson- A run heavy attack and honestly who is he going to throw the ball to? Harvin will probably be in and out of the line up. Also in the division he plays in, not the easiest defenses. He will give you the bonus yards on the ground, but I see more 10-15 ranking for him.

2. Cam “SuperMan” Newton- Now I know this is a stretch, because Cam has never finished outside the top 7 his whole career. A none existent run game, and all young and new WR. All Newton has is Olsen, but I don’t think that is enough and as fandom we underrated the Steve Smith impact. After this year we will not.

3.Robert “RGThriller” Griffin III and Nick “Chip Kelly made me” Foles- I ranked them together, but I don’t trust this annointment of Jay Gruden as solving the Skins problems. The O line was terrible and RGIII was blitzed almost twice as much as any other QB. My friend Cool Reece said that RGIII had a Mike Vick feel and the heavy blitz strategy is what they used on Vick. Until RGIII shows more pocket maturity I don;t trust him. Foles is only ranked here because of the question marks in his game. Def Coordinators have tape now and will try and adjust. Also Foles was hit or sacked every once every 11 drop backs. If that stat stays true, I don’t think he will hold up. Without Desean Jackson we have to see if Maclin and co can run those speed routes and pop the top of the Defense.

Guys with worth a late grab that can be stars, or sleepers

1. Jay “Diebetis” Cutler- All I have to say is Brandon Marshall, and Alshon Jefferies!!! Enough said, but if you need more. Imagine now Cutler is in the Trestman scheme for another year, and lets not think for one second he didn’t learn from how McCown ran the offense. (8th-12th rounds)

2. Brian “Stop Talking about Manziel” Hoyer- I know crazy right, everyone is predicting that he will be benched after the bye week for Johnny Football. I’m here to say I’m a believer in Hoyer. Before he went down he was playing very well. Also this guy was tutored by none other than Tom Brady himself (means nothing just look at Matt Cassell), but all jokes aside, Hoyer had one of the better 3rd% efficiency rating before going down. Add in Ben Tate, some veteran WR (Austin, Burleson) and a prayer for the return of Josh Gordon. Only problem is when he plays sub par in the first 3 games will the Head Coach have enough Balls to let Hoyer continue to play. (12th- to waiver wire)

3. Eli “Remember I have more rings” Manning- Now here I was stuck between Manning or Sam “I’m injured again” Bradford. I chose Eli because of the terrible NFC EAST defenses he will face. (Skins, Cowboys, and Eagles twice). Also this year they are switching to a west coast offense which I hope will get the ball out of Eli’s hands quick and getting Jennings to run the ball along side Wilson, Hillis, and etc should give him a stable ground game. I think Cruz, Beckham, and Randle are going to look good in the West coast system, especially Cruz.

It is opt out season and all that ESPN is spouting about is where LBJ and Melo will land. Most think the King will return to the paradise we call South Beach (and if you have ever seen a Pitbull video who can blame him), and ME-lo is looking to be lifted and landing in the Windy City, Chi-town! All I hear is that both want more weapons and a place to win more rings or A ring. When I hear this I think to myself why not the Washington Wizards? I know I’m a homer, but now I will make an argument for why The King and Melo should seriously consider D.C. their new home:

1. Young Talent

The Wizards have a backcourt that can become one of the greatest in the league for a few years. John Wall and Bradley Beal are up and comers, and they could benefit from having a legitimate #1 option in the offense. The Wizards are one of the youngest teams in the league so these guys will be around for a while and the team can grow with the eventual aging superstars.

2. The team compliments your weaknesses

When you look at the Knicks and the Heat, rebounding and down low scoring was an issue for both, thus morphing LBJ and Melo into post up players, and having to become better at rebounding to help their respective teams. Well if the Wiz resign Gortat and with NeNe already down there, they have size, rebounding, and scoring. Also both of these big men can shoot the 12-15 footer.

The team weakness in the playoffs was lack of composure and no go to scorer down the stretch. Add Melo or LeBron, problem solved.

The Heat struggled with Point guard play, enter Mr. Dougie/NaeNae Dance John Wall. They also have a wily veteran coming off the bench in Andre Miller to help too.

3. The Bench/Depth is not San Antonio good, but they are not bad either

As I mentioned above you have Miller for leadership and veteran sensibility, but you have a young energy guy in Martell Webster as the back up SG. I figure to get either one of these superstars we wouldn’t be resigning Ariza, but you would have youth at the back up SF in Otto Porter Jr (who is a bust so far), Chris Singleton, and Glen Rice Jr. You then look at Old Man Drew Gooden, Al Harrington, and the younger Trevor Booker at the back up PF with Kevin Serephin in the back up C position. Again great Depth and granted these guys would look a lot better with a Melo or LBJ on the court.

4. The City

Growing up in D.C. (called “Chocolate City” when I lived there, or the “Gun Murder Capital”) it’s a beautiful city. Everyone knows about the sights and history there, but it is not far off from being a legitimate major market. Especially if one of the superstars were to grace the city and play there. The D.C. market is as competitive as the Miami market, naturally D.C. can’t touch NY, but those stars would bring business and marketers there. We just witnessed the RGIII craze. Imagine the The King heading to D.C., LBJ would be come the Mayor and the President in the same year. Imagine Melo coming here with his roots in Baltimore and not snitching. Also his wife’s reality show would have to be filmed in D.C. bringing more awesome to the city.

Also there are very little to no sports demons of the past for them to battle in D.C. When it comes to Basketball it is Wes Unseld, and that is it. In Miami LBJ will always be held to D-Wade and Pat Riley’s popularity. In NY Melo has tons of demons in the Basketball Mecca! Washington D.C. could be the house they built, ala MJ and Chicago.

5. You can do something Michael Jordan could not

You can accomplish something that the great Michael Jordan could not… MAKE WASHINGTON D.C. A WINNER. Now I know MJ was old and the air was out of the Jumpman, and he was more of a Ground man. But MJ suited up and he couldn’t lead the Wizards to the playoffs, let alone sniff a Championship. LeBron, you can claim a victory in a Jordan failure. How awesome would that be? Melo would begin to rewrite the books about his legacy with a Championship, but he can also claim that which “His Airness” could not. That allure alone should push King James here, and that double win for Melo’s legacy should be tempting.

All I’m saying is that the Washington Wizards should be on these Superstars radar and sadly enough they probably are not. So if everyone in D.C. or everyone that loves the Wizards could share this and build up a ground swell that maybe will reach one of these superstars we may get my wish, and eventually get all of D.C.’s wish and that is to win the NBA Championship!

The draft is among us and this draft is very important for a lot of teams. The typical thought is in every draft if you can select at least three to four 4 or 5 year starters, your team is set up for success. Our reigning Super Bowl champs are a prime example of how the draft can lift you to lifting the Lombardi. Without further ado here is Big Play’s Mock draft… Oh Yea Let’s Go Gang Green, Draft Like A Jet! (At least like a New Jet no more Gholston picks please!)

1. Texans: Jadeveon Clowney DE, there’s rumors out there that Houston wants to trade, but do you want to be the team that passes on a once every 20yrs talent? Probably not!

3. Jaguars: Johnny Manziel QB, the staff wants Khalil Mack, my guess is the owner steps in to sell tickets. Also with the report that Manziel doesn’t want to go to Jacksonville would make for good trade bait.

4. Browns: Khalil Mack OLB, Pettine gets the guy on the outside Rex never could get.

6. Falcons: Greg Robinson OT, finally some protection for Matty (N)Ice (and Atlanta fans still wont be happy because it’s not Clowney and if Watkins is still on the board they would want him too)

7. Buccaneers: Sammy Watkins WR, the #1 WR hands down, and I know your thinking “If he is the best WR then why did the Raiders take Evans?” The Raiders also took Heyward -Bay over Michael Crabtree. Like I said, the Raiders Way! Watkins will be great across from Jackson.

8. Vikings: Aaron Donald DT, Zimmer gets his Geno Atkins

9. Bills: Taylor Lewan OT, more OLine help for young EJ

10. Lions: Odell Beckham Jr WR, We know the Lions have other needs (secondary!), but the shadow of Millen still looms, and finally Caldwell gets his 3rd WR to complete his Colts O… I mean Lions Offense.

13. Rams: Calvin Pryor S, reminds me of Earl Thomas, a hard hitter that is needed in the new black and blue division. The NFC WEST!

14. Bears: Timmy Jernigan DT, Bears were terrible against the run last year, he will help.

15. Steelers: Eric Ebron TE, Miller’s getting long in the tooth, so Pit drafts his successor. This is another team that has a lot of needs and getting younger is a huge need, but we all know historically the Steelers have been great in the draft.

16. Cowboys: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix FS, ball hawking safety which is much needed for Dallas’ awful back end. Message to Jerry Jones, resist every instinct to trade up for Manziel.

17. Ravens: Brandin Cooks WR, even with the acquisition of Steve Smith, Ravens still need some youth at the position. This will set up the Ravens with two speedy WR for the future (Smith and Cooks) and we know how Flacco loves the deep ball.

18. Jets: Bradley Roby CB, with Ebron, ODB, and Dennard gone Jets stay true to their board and take best player available at a position of need.

19. Dolphins: Cyrus Kouandjio OT, Miami lost a couple starters to their line, they start building it back with the OT from the Tide.

20. Cardinals: Blake Bortles QB, successor to Carson Palmer in 2 years, and remember Palmer was a QB that sat before he became a starter.
21. Packers: Justin Gilbert CB, tall, rangy guy should help in match ups vs Jeffrey, Marshall, and Megatron twice a year (a job I don’t envy).

22. Eagles: Kyle Fuller CB, with how Philly scores points it will force teams to play catch up, you need corners

23. Chiefs: Teddy Bridgewater QB, perfect pick for both the team and the player. Bridgewater could sit for a couple seasons behind the intellectual Smith and learn to maximize his strengths and limit his weaknesses, especially deciding gloves or no gloves.

24. Bengals: Jason Verrett CB, Can never have enough corners, when your D Line is that good you wont have to cover for long. Plus they are not ready to give up on Dalton… yet!

25. Chargers: Louis Nix III NT, A power pig to put on the front line, just don’t sport the Bolo.

26. Browns: Derek Carr QB. Browns try their hand at it again for a franchise QB, especially since Johnny Football is off the board, could we see a trade since Manziel doesn’t want to be in J-Ville?

27. Saints: Kelvin Benjamin WR, another big target to go along with Colston and Graham for Drew Brees

29. Patriots: Austin Seferian-Jenkins TE, Belichick drafts a TE to pair with Gronk to hopefully have the same success he had with trigga man Hernandez. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see the Pats trade up for Ebron or trade down for more picks.
30. 49ers-: Jordan Matthews WR, a big sure handed guy to groom behind Boldin, just don’t have him learn how to go get the ball from mediocre Crabtree (Sherman words not mine), and don’t learn how to go across the middle soft from Davis (Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor words not mine) and he will be fine.

31.Broncos: Ryan Shazier LB, if there’s one thing we found out in the SB, Denver needs more speed on D especially since you can’t draft more heart!
32. Seahawks: Joel Bitonio G, The champs draft a replacement for the disappointing Carpenter. Does it feel like the Seahawks are pulling a Marlins and blowing the team up to rebuild for a later run?

Everyone has been asking me what I feel about Donald Sterling. I have been silent, minus conversations with my wife, about the situation. One because I want everything to come out, Two I want to make a rationale thought that doesn’t come from anger and resentment. With all that said… I have no problem with what Donald Sterling said!

I know, Pro Black Jason, has no problem with what Sterling said? You read it right and you are probably thinking I must have fell and bumped my head, or I have been hanging out with Uncle Ruckus and realized I have reverse vitiligo. In all honesty, we are Americans and you can feel however and feel whatever you want about anybody. Even if he stepped up to a podium and said the exact same thing I wouldn’t care. He has that right and freedom. It did hurt a bit when Sterling felt like him giving the players money to buy food, money to buy houses, money to buy cars, and etc made it ok. It made hair on the back of my neck stand up, because of the Slaver Master mentality. Other than that, go on Donald Sterling and be a racist, its your right. My problem lies with all the surrounding parts of the incident.

Like I mentioned I have no problem with what Sterling said because of freedom of speech. Is the speech disgusting? YES! Is the speech repulsive? ABSOLUTELY! My issue is with the NBA and its owners. As I’m currently writing this (4-29-2014) we have only heard from 3 owners. THREE OWNERS! 2 of which are minorities (Michael Jordan, owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, and Vivek Ranadive owner of the Sacramento Kings), and the 3rd owner was Mark Cuban (who took a stand but really didn’t). If people really feel like what Sterling said has no place in the NBA why have no other owners come out and stood against Sterling? I’m not saying the other owners are racist, but I’m saying the other owners don’t want to open up “Pandora’s Box” and have owners judged on their morality. So condemning Sterling will forever put the other owners in a situation when they make or do immoral things they too will be subjected to the same punishment they pursued against Sterling. So basically the owners rather stand beside racism so they can stand behind a closed door and be as nasty as they want without fear of losing their ownership. (Sorry I have just read the Atlanta Hawks owner said if it was a vote they vote to remove Sterling). I do have a problem with the owners lack of a voice! I do have a problem with the heads of the NBA!

Again I have no problem with what Donald Sterling said, but there is repercussions to what you do and say, he will face those. The supposed Girlfriend who is recording the conversation, has known about Sterling’s views but yet she continued to “date” him and she is a woman of some color even if mixed. How can she continue to be around this gross man (not to mention he is old as the dinosaurs, and even with Viagra that whole situation is disgusting)? Is her self worth so low that money is greater than respect? Yes she, illegally, exposed him, but she still subjected herself to this racist just to be around money. I do have a problem with her integrity!

Donald Sterling has a history of being a bigot and racist so the words that are coming out of his mouth, are surprising to hear, but he has a history. So if a zebra has stripes then why should I expect it to change. So I have no problem with his words, but I have problem with every minority player in the NBA. As a united front the NBA players should have done a work stoppage. NOBODY should have played a single game until Sterling was removed or disciplined. I know that is extreme, but if your ownership wont step up and act swiftly force their hands. Nobody plays a game, imagine all the money the NBA would lose (or we would have the Washington Generals out there if some of the non minority players decided to play… jk bad racial joke sorry). I get the protest, with black socks, turning the warm ups inside out, and the athletes running to twitter to speak, but if this was the 60’s or 70’s we would not be watching anything. The players would have shown an united front, took a stand, and forced change. I wrote a while back how I felt that athletes have chosen to not be Activist and it sucks. This would be a chance to show everyone in the world that racism will not be tolerated. This is bigger than sports. I have a problem with the lack of over the top protest and action by the players!

I commend and applaud all the companies that are pulling advertising and sponsorship from the Clippers. I don’t have a problem with that!

I have a major bone (no pun… just wait for it) to pick with Sportsdom. Not fandom because you root for your team and against your rivals, that’s fair. I hate the rooting for the underdog when you have nothing invested. Now when I say the underdog, Im not talking teams almost even and Vegas dictates the underdog, I mean no business being there upsets. Don’t you want to see the best competitive match ups if you have no dog… I mean horse in the race.

I had this feeling about this article because I was sitting at the Gwinnett Famous Sweetwater bar and grill, and Serena Williams was playing that Sloane Stephens. Now if you follow tennis you know that Williams ended up losing, but what bothered me was that a lot of folks in the bar were happy about this. My initial reaction was they all most be…

Share this:

Like this:

When the 6’9″ small forward was bought out of his contract with the Sixers; the question around league circles was “where would be the best fit for Danny Granger?” A guy with immense talent but with the durability of Mr. Glass (At least he doesn’t rock the haircut).

There was to much bad blood for it to be with the Heat (yet it would have stuck it to Indiana), to much depth to be with the Spurs, and OKC would’ve made sense. However, now that we know Granger has chosen the Clippers, what can we expect from him? First off a starting five of Paul, Griffin, Jordan, Granger and Dudley would be a tough match up for anyone in the West. Doc Rivers is the right coach to make it all work. He is used to having multiple superstars on one team and getting them to a common goal (as long as he doesn’t have a Rondo part 2 in the group). The move also improves the depth of the Clippers bench with Crawford, Collison, and Reddick bringing the fire power.

The big question is how much does Granger have in the tank. Also why would the Pacers trade him away in the first place? I know about the terrible shooting percentage, how uncomfortable he seems coming off the bench, but you would think Larry “Legend” wouldn’t get rid of a former All-Star working his way back in unless there was a flaw. So now we sit, wait, and see what will come of Mr. Gla… I mean Danny Granger. I’m not saying this move would make the Clippers the favorite to win the Western Conference, but it won’t hurt there chances either. At least until Granger gets hurt again.

Man the energy is electric, in my apartment, because my favorite day of the year is here: Super Bowl Sunday! I have been in long favor of making this day a holiday and making the day after an off day for the country, but sadly enough until we get Peyton Manning or Tom Brady to become President it won’t happen. Now everyone remember after today, please still keep getting together with your friends to do something. Studies have shown (right here it’s real) that after football season fans go through a bit of depression and sluggishness. Enough of the public service announcement on to the keys to unlock the Lombardi trophy.

*Disclaimer* I dislike the Seahawks, because I’m a 49er fan (granted I do like Beast Mode, Russell “Last Name” Wilson, and The LOB, ok I kinda like the team just have to hate them because of fandom), and I’m not a Peyton Manning fan at all, to much credit for not enough playoff wins (before this season). So I have no real bias unlike last week (I picked the 49ers!). *Disclaimer*

* Denver Offense Key: Make the Seahawks Safeties have a bad game

The key for this offense will be how Peyton can minimize the effect of the LOB’s safeties. I know for the last two weeks we have spoke about Richard Sherman and how he is the greatest, but he is only so great because his safeties (Thomas and Chancellor). They are the best in the League. Can Peyton confuse Thomas in single high safety formations (which they run a lot). How much can he get the safeties to come and help in the run game to set up play action. Chancellor has shut down 2 top 5 Tight Ends (Jimmy Graham and Vernon Davis) in the playoffs, if Chancellor can go 3 for 3 by stopping Julius Thomas it will hurt Peyton and the offense. So Peyton has to move these safeties and create match ups he can exploit to free WRs or at least make the reads difficult for Thomas and Chancellor.

It hurts to say this but you have to make Champ Bailey pay. It’s no way in hell the Broncos should let Lynch go off, if they do the game is already over. If they stop Lynch the Seahawks need an answer, enter Harvin, Tate, Baldwin, and Kearse. These WRs need to go Torrey Smith on Champ Bailey (Here is what I’m talking about). Last year we saw Bailey can’t keep up with speedy WRs anymore and his time off this year with injuries doesn’t help that. You have to get the Broncos in man 2 man looks with little safety help and exploit it. You may only see that look 7-10 times in the game and for the Seahawks to win they have to make them pay at least half of the time they see that look.

*Denver Defense Key: Don’t let a bit player become a star

You know you have to stop “Beast Mode” Lynch, you know you have to keep “Short Stack” Wilson in the pocket and not let him turn into Russell “Houdini Tarkenton” Wilson. What will cost you is if you let a role player beat you, ala Desmond Howard (Super Bowl XXXI), or Timmy Smith (Super Bowl XXII). Keep the role player just that “role players”, no rising stars allowed. The Seahawks Offense is not as dangerous as other offenses the Broncos have faced, so don’t take them lightly. If I had to choose who would be the player to step for the Seahawks I would say it would be Baldwin with the extra attention Harvin will get.

*Seattle Defense Key: Let Peyton be Peyton

I know I have lost a lot of you with this one. Or I might have lost all creditability now, but hear me out. We all know the thought of Peyton choking during big games, but when I say let Peyton be Peyton I mean pressure Peyton to make quick decisions, or errant throws. Take advantage of Peyton’s hate of a clustered pockets by getting pressure up the middle. Now it wont effect Peyton in the 1st-3rd quarters, but if the game is close down the stretch you will start seeing the effects of that pressure. When it’s close in big games Peyton has a tendency to get ultra conservative which you can use to your advantage and jump a route ala Tracy Porter.

So there you have it. Lets see what happens at 6:25pm. I’m choosing the Denver Broncos to win, because I just think with John Elway’s mentoring and confidence it is Peyton Manning’s year and he wont show the old Peyton attributes.

The best thing that could happen is if Richard Sherman jumps a route and takes it to the house! OMG!!! We might get another Promo about Peyton throwing “ducks”. Or if Richard Sherman jumps a route and misses a badly thrown “duck” and the Broncos score the game winner. Either way “Are We Ready For The End of Football… This Year”.

Nerves up, Heart racing, sweat on brow and upper lip. Ball hiked pass thrown, pass tipped, and intercepted. In a surge of anger/rage/disappointment I toss my 49er hat and Kick it up the hallway, while yelling FUUUCCCKKK!!!! I walk right into my room strip down and go straight to bed. Why do sports drive us so insane?

As I lay dreaming, I’m hoping that in my fit that a penalty is called, and I missed it. That the 49ers lead by Kaepernick won the game and I missed it all (granted my DVR would have been viewing). That I would wake up to the 49ers repeating as NFC Champions. Sadly enough that was not to come true and would remain in my dreams.

I was MISERABLE for two days. My wife knew not to talk to me, my team members at work didn’t mention the game. Even an open Seattle Seahawk fan I work with didn’t mention the game. Everyone knew I was in a bad mood and it showed on my face. How can a game that I placed no money on, that the result wouldn’t effect my life, except for my mood which is a direct result of me, change so much. The Answer: Passion and Love!

Sports fans all over the world know the feeling. Some how we have built up this emotional tie to a team or person that can dictate or lives based on the results. Even in the defeat the feeling lets us know we are alive, and in victory the joy can put a pep in our step like no other. I have met people that their life is God, Sports, Children, Spouse, and Family. Yes in that order! And you can make an argument that the God is really a sport’s god.

I always say to myself, “Self if you could have that same passion for your work, or Blog you would be the most successful person ever” and it’s true the same Passion and Love that can change my life for two days (or a week when the 49ers lost the Super Bowl) can be harnessed into my other loves then life would be even better. So basically I’m writing this to say this year, I’m on a mission to learn how to build Passion and Love in all my walks of life and challenge everyone to do the same. But we can never deny the rush that Sports give us and I’m thankful for the good/bad reminder that I’m ALIVE!